23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
What to do in Chicago: Sueños in Grant Park, lakefront fireworks and the Memorial Day Parade
Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony and Parade: Retired Major Gen. William J. Walker will serve as this year's Memorial Day parade grand marshal, honoring his more than 30-year career that included tenure as Sergeant at Arms of the U.S. House of Representatives. Walker served as the commanding general of the Washington, D.C., National Guard, where he led the response to the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, as well as President Joe Biden's inauguration. Walker will offer a keynote address at a wreath-laying ceremony before the parade.
Sueños Music Festival: Shakira, Peso Pluma, Don Omar and Grupo Frontera headline Sueños, which returns to Grant Park this weekend. Expect more than 100,000 people, as the Latin music festival expands to include a second stage, a larger footprint and a dance zone for even more fun. Fingers crossed, the weather will be better than last year.
AC/DC: They're back in black, again, after nearly a decade. Still rocking a schoolboy uniform at age 70, Angus Young continues to lead the band on their 'Power Up' world tour. The tour rolls into Soldier Field this weekend.
Matt Berninger: Best known as The National's frontman — you know that voice — Berninger brings his introspective solo work to Thalia Hall. Synth-heavy indie pop artist Ronboy, aka Julia Laws, also performs. Seems an ideal pairing.
Vince Gill: The country music star takes a break from performing with the Eagles at the Sphere to play his own songs this weekend at the Chicago Theatre. The tour celebrates Vince Gill's 50th year as a professional musician. The Eagles resume their Las Vegas stand in September.
Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest: Hop on the 'L' to Belmont for Lakeview's 40th anniversary Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest. It's a classic Chicago festival: tribute bands, artisan vendors, a community stage and, of course, food and drink.
Rockin' in the Park: Rosemont's free summer concert series returns this weekend with alt-rock's Pino Farina Band and post-show fireworks. Throughout the summer, the series features pop and rock tribute bands spanning decades.
Randolph Street Market Festival: Browse some 200 vendors as Randolph Street Market kicks off the summer season with a garden party. Live music and DJs will offer a soundtrack for your antique and vintage shopping.
'Marvel's Spider-Man — Beyond Amazing': Look out, here comes Spider-Man, in a Museum of Science and Industry exhibit. Perhaps more industry — as in, the MCU industrial complex — than science, the interactive exhibit promises rare comic books, costumes, props, statues of characters and drawing opportunities.
Navy Pier Fireworks: No need to wait 'til Independence Day; summer fireworks are back. Starting this weekend, Navy Pier launches its twice-weekly lakefront display.
